TURTLE CREEK (KDKA) — Johnny Mock’s Auto Body has been turning banged up wrecks into drivable cars for more than 60 years.

But the KIA Sedona that was towed to the Turtle Creek shop in October had a date with the scrap heap. Or so it was thought.

“This was all caved in through here,” the shop owner points at the rear right bumper. “Everything was shoved in over here.”

Mock has given the old car new life, as part of a national initiative called “Recycled Rides.”

“I’m really blessed with having good employees who like to give of their time and do a little extra for the community,” he says.

They donated their time, and suppliers donated materials as a way to say “thank you.” The refurbished mini-van will be given to Veterans Place, a transitional housing program in Larimer for homeless vets.

“I’d like to hand over the keys to your almost new 2005 KIA Sedona,” Mock says, handing keys to Veterans Place executive director Jared Souder.

Souder says his agency desperately needed a vehicle to transport veterans to needed services in the area.

“When I got a call from a colleague at another agency that said, ‘Hey, there’s this van that might be available. Do you know anybody who might be in need it?’ My immediate reaction was ‘Oh my God. You have to help me get this van,’” he said.

Mock says it was an easy decision.

“My father was a veteran, and told great stories about his time in the service,” he said. “And when I had the opportunity to come up and to do something like this for Veterans Place, it was a no-brainer.”